(Baton Rouge) – LSU Alumni and architects Percy E. “Rebel” Roberts and Leigh Ann Roberts have made a generous commitment to the School of Architecture by funding a scholarship that will benefit future students. The Percy E. “Rebel” and Leigh Ann Roberts Scholarship is a significant gift to the School and will go a long way toward furthering the education of deserving students.

“The Roberts’ contribution is an incredibly generous gift,” said Thomas Sofranko, interim director of the School of Architecture. “It gives me a great feeling of satisfaction when I think about the future and try to imagine the students who will benefit from what they has put in place.”

Rebel Roberts, who received a bachelor of architecture in 1976, comes from a family that has a long history with LSU. Among his relatives are 31 LSU alums, and both his father and cousin are graduates of the School of Architecture. His wife Leigh Ann, whom he met while in school, also graduated with her LSU degree in architecture in 1979.

With this scholarship gift, the Roberts continue in the tradition of Rebel’s late father, Percy Roberts Jr., who also has a scholarship to his name in the School of Architecture. Roberts Jr. was one of the first graduates of the School’s architecture program in the early 1950s.

Though Rebel Roberts’ career has taken him to many interesting locales, he has remained very loyal in his association with LSU. He serves on the School’s Professional Advisory Board, which meets annually with the School’s director and faculty to help guide them in ensuring the School is meeting the needs of the profession.

Roberts is president of VOA Associates in Chicago, a 38-year-old firm with offices around the United States and in South America. It is recognized as a leading design firm with expertise in diverse areas and has received more than 200 local and national awards for design excellence.

“The School of Architecture is fortunate to have alumni like Rebel and Leigh Ann Roberts, who share not only their considerable time and talents but also generously contribute their resources to the School’s well-being,” said Dean David Conrath.